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Breadcrumb

  1. Research
  2. Sustainable Energy
  3. Fossil Energy
  4. Carbon Management

Carbon Management

  • Subsurface Energy Systems
  • Carbon Management
    • Carbon Capture
    • Carbon Storage
    • Carbon Utilization
  • Advanced Hydrocarbon Conversion
  • News & Updates
  • Attend a Carbon Management Event
  • Publications
  • Projects

At PNNL, our researchers are unlocking fundamental discoveries in theory, chemistry, catalysis, subsurface science and artificial intelligence and transforming them into technological solutions for carbon capture, carbon utilization, and geologic carbon storage.

In support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s carbon management mission, PNNL collaborates with academic, governmental and industry partners across United States and around the world. Together, we are developing technologies to transition conventional fuels and processes toward a carbon-neutral energy future.

carbonstorageillustrationimage
PNNL researchers are part of a team working to advance our scientific understanding of how CO2 reacts with rocks and minerals when it is injected into the subsurface of a reservoir. Armed with this knowledge, we can improve the accuracy of models that will be used to predict the fate of CO2. Illustration by Mike Perkins | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Carbon capture

Through our research for DOE’s Basic Energy Sciences separations program, PNNL scientists are leading the development of the next generation of solvents for carbon capture. These solvents not only capture CO2, they are also more energy efficient and cost effective than existing commercial technologies. PNNL’s Carbon Capture program recently accomplished the lowest carbon capture costs to date at $39/tonne CO2, offering opportunities to reduce the Nation’s cost of achieving net zero emissions targets.

Carbon utilization

Through new discoveries about the CO2 reactivity in these solvents, PNNL experts in solvent chemistry and catalysis are leading the advent of a new field of integrated CO2 capture and conversion. In partnership with our colleagues in DOE-FE’s Carbon Utilization program, PNNL is exploring ways to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of converting CO2 into valuable commodities while enabling decarbonization strategies.

Carbon storage

PNNL has more than 50 years of expertise in subsurface injection, fate, and transport. We have partnered with DOE’s Office of Fossil Energy for decades to help achieve the office’s Carbon Storage mission of deep-decarbonization. This work includes:

  • permitting and demonstrating the first mineralization of supercritical CO2 in basalt reservoirs (Wallula)
  • siting and successfully developing the first Class VI permit ever granted (FutureGen 2.0)
  • developing high-performance, computing-enabled, and real-time geophysical imaging and forecasting tools to support industry-driven, commercial-scale deployment of geologic CO2 storage under DOE’s new SMART Initiative. 
Addressing the nation’s long term energy needs will require fundamental shifts in the way we acquire and use energy resources. Researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are working to develop and commercialize technologies critical to decarbonizing the power and industrial sectors.

News & Publications

JANUARY 23, 2023
News Release

Scientists Unveil Least Costly Carbon Capture System to Date

Read
PNNL scientist David Heldebrant holds a glass bottle holding a clear liquid.
OCTOBER 19, 2022
Feature

Converting Carbon Dioxide to Minerals Underground

Read
Illustration of a core of rock surrounded by swirls of gas, liquid, and molecules showing the process of carbonate mineralization
AUGUST 15, 2022
Spotlight

An Update to Award-Winning Carbon Storage Sensor Software

Read
Illustration of well configurations
JUNE 27, 2022
Spotlight

Capturing, Utilizing, and Storing Carbon with Solvents: Outlining a Path Forward

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Illustration of a futuristic looking industrial area
SEPTEMBER 2, 2021
News Release

Making Methane from CO2: Carbon Capture Grows More Affordable

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PNNL chemist Jotheeswari Kothandaraman holds EEMPA, a carbon-capturing solvent used in her most recent study.
JULY 12, 2021
Staff Accomplishment

Bacon Joins Greenhouse Gas Control Editorial Board

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Diana Bacon
JUNE 4, 2021
Feature

Batteries, Catalysts, Climate, Clean Energy: Secretary Granholm Treated to ‘Whirlwind’ PNNL Visit

Read
imhoff
MARCH 11, 2021
News Release

Cheaper Carbon Capture Is on the Way

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Chemical engineer Dushyant Barpaga observes the Laboratory Continuous Flow System, which researchers use to analyze the performance of CO2 capture solvents, like EEMPA, at small scales before testing at greater capacities.
DECEMBER 16, 2020
Research Highlight

International Study on Methane Hydrate Reservoirs

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Comparison Code logo fix

Related Divisions

Earth Systems Science Division
Energy Processes & Materials Division
Physical Sciences Division

Facilities

Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory Solid Phase Processing Demonstration Facility Applied Subsurface Science and Characterization Laboratory

Related Links

PNNL's Geologic Carbon Storage CapabilitiesDOE Office of Fossil Energy

Additional Carbon Management Information

File

PNNL Carbon Management and Fossil Energy Overview brochure - Dec 2020.pdf

File

Carbon Capture and Utilization: Simple, Cost-Efficient Solvents Reduce CO2 from Stationary Emitters flier

Contacts

Casie Davidson
Manager, Carbon Management and Fossil Energy Market Sector
casie.davidson@pnnl.gov
509-372-6259
David Heldebrant
Laboratory Fellow; Team Leader, Separations Materials
david.heldebrant@pnnl.gov
(509) 372-6359
Todd Schaef
Subsector Manager, Subsurface Energy Systems
todd.schaef@pnnl.gov
509-371-7102

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